It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Nick, due to an unexplained medical event.
Nick is survived by his wife Cassie Licari and his daughter Anna. He is also survived by his parents John and Nina (Budowski) Fysh. He will be greatly missed by his twin brother Alex and his sister-in-law Sylvie Recoskie and his niece Stella. He will also be missed by Cassie’s family, Larry and Joan Licari, Jenny (Licari) and Colin Richardson and their children Cameron and Charlotte, and Laura (nee Licari) and Justin Cooke and their children Nora and Avery.
Nick was a beautiful, old soul who brought us all so much happiness and joy and was such a bright light in our lives. Nick was a wonderful husband to the love of his life and best friend, Cassie. Nick was an amazing Dad to his daughter Anna. They were two peas in a pod. Nick was a warm, gentle, patient, and loving father and was always passionately teaching Anna new things. Nick loved to go for walks, spend time outdoors, travel, and explore new places and things with Anna and Cassie. Nick also adored his good friend, siamese cat, Oliver. We know Nick is sitting somewhere in front of a fire with a good book, while watching over his family.
At the age of 12 , Nick joined the 51 Air Cadet Squadron based in the Canada Air and Space Museum. At 17, he joined the Governor Generals Foot Guard. He stayed with the GGFG through his university education. At 20, he was commissioned as an officer in the GGFG and was eventually promoted to Lieutenant. Upon completion of his degree in International Relations, he transferred to the Regular Force as a Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa. Upon promotion to Captain, he was posted to Halifax during which he did a six month tour in Afghanistan. He then returned to the regiment in Petawawa. Upon promotion to Major he was posted to Ottawa and worked as a staff officer at CANOFCOM HQ. In 2020, Nick made the decision to leave the Regular Force to become a public servant in the Department of National Defence. At the same time, he transferred back to the GGFG as a reservist. He quickly became a popular and dedicated company commander. He was an avid amateur military historian and collector of military history books. On Remembrance Day, Nick made it a practice to go to the local Legion branch and visit with veterans.
Nick was fiercely loyal to his friends. If he decided you were his friend, you were a friend for life. He also had a keen sense of justice. Nick was an avid fan of rugby. He joined the Cairine Wilson S.S. boys rugby team in his first year of high school. In his last two years of high school he was the team captain. He actively supported the the establishment of Cairine Wilson S.S. girls rugby team.
A private family funeral service and burial will be held at the Beechwood Cemetery. A celebration of Nick’s life is being planned and details will be announced at a later date. Please provide your contact details should wish to attend the celebration of life to “celebration.for.nick@gmail.com’.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Nick’s honour to Soldier On, to the Canadian War Museum , or to a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Benjamin Bailly
Noor Ahmed
I had the privilege of working with Nick for two years in a very high paced environment. Nick exuded calm competence and stellar judgement throughout some challenging times. He embodied service before self - I will always remember Nick.
Sgt Anthony Near (GGFG)
I worked closely with Maj Fysh in the GGFG for the last many years. We worked together running exercises and planning training. His dedication to the Regiment was commendable, and everybody benefited from his professionalism and mentorship. He was a true leader and a respected friend. He will be missed. His legacy however will be carried in the lives of who he inspired and led, and in the hearts of his many friends.
Eric
I worked with Nick during his time in Ottawa, and he was always kind, dedicated, responsive, knowledgeable, and patient. Deepest condolences to his family for your loss.
Marie-Lyne Bergeron
My sincere condolences to Cassie, Anna & Nick's family. Nick was always smiling, kind, supportive, patient and a good listener especially with all my rabbling. He will be greatly missed.
Ruth Gibson
We have fond memories. We grieve with the family and send loving thoughts to his wife Cassie and young daughter Anna.
Joy Hughes Gruits
Your cousins in Michigan were saddened to hear of Nicholas’s passing. We pray that God‘s comfort will be with all of you through this most difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kayda M
My deepest condolences to Nick's family; I am saddened to hear of his passing. I worked with Nick on AOC and I learned so very much from him. He was incredibly enthusiastic and hard-working. He will be sorely missed within the military family.
Sgt Justin Merrick (GGFG)
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to Nick's family and friends during this time. I had the distinct honour of serving with and under him on several occasions during the past few years. His patience, advice, and guidance were invaluable to me while I developed my skillset as a leader and his absence is already being sharply felt.
Barbara Pochailo
Cassie.Anna and Family.We are sooo sorry for the Loss of Your Loving Husband.Cassie.My Heart is breaking for You and Anna.Although I had met Nicholas only once years ago I could tell that You were so in Love.Please know He is still with You.I will be thinking and Praying for You and Anna and all who knew and Loved Nicholas thru this most difficult time.Love.Barb Pochailo ❤️
It is devastating to hear of your loss. Nick was an amazing man who cared quite deeply for his family. I recall him bringing Anna to work one day and letting her explore around the parade square, watching over her with a caring eye. I was very fortunate to have Nick as my company commander for a few years. He took me under his wing and mentored me both professionally and personally to become the best I could be. Nick was unique in his dedication to his responsibilities and determination to do the right thing for others. He was the best officer I’ve ever worked with and he will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences go to the family.